movies

Top 5 Oz-tacular Moments in Disney’s Oz the Great and Powerful

8 March 2013 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

I was recently treated to two screenings of the highly anticipated Oz the Great and Powerful (one through the Disney Parks Blog’s Oz Meet-Up and a media screening). When deciding how I would put my thoughts about the movie into words, some things kept popping out at me. Eye Candy.

Here are the 5 pieces of eye-candy I enjoyed while watching Oz the Great and Powerful: {there will be spoilers in the review below, proceed at your own risk!}

Rainbows
Sparkly Rainbow Cloud Fog
Rainbow Horses
Giant Shimmery Bubbles
Sparkly Giant Emeralds

Did I mention rainbows? I’m only sort of joking with the above list; after seeing Oz the Great and Powerful twice, I realized that what I enjoyed most about the film was how pretty it was in parts. The way the opening scenes are handled, in black and white and in a smaller screen, are of course a nod to the original Wizard of Oz, and a nice contrast to the vibrant colors of the land of Oz. That’s not to say there isn’t more to the movie than its pretty looks (although I couldn’t stop staring at Theodora and Glinda’s eye make-up and wondering if they used Urban Decay…) but overall I think the visuals are what carry the film.

We know the story of the Wizard of Oz; now with Oz the Great and Powerful we are sort of deconstructing exactly what made The Wizard who he is, and how the Wicked Witch came to be. While the first quarter of the movie is necessary to establish just the kind of selfish, greedy, self-serving cad Oscar Diggs is, it does drag a bit. Even when he first arrives in Oz and is exposed to the wondrous sites and sounds of such an unusual universe, the whole scene really serves no purpose other than to show off some cool effects.

When we pass the reeds in the river and they bend to make a sound, I instantly thought of the sound of the carnival organ that had flown past Oscar in the balloon, which would go along with the whole “it’s just a dream…” theme that the Wizard of Oz used. Combined with Finley the monkey being Oscar’s assistant from the carnival, the China Doll being the girl in the wheelchair, and of course Glinda, it would make sense that this fantastical world was all in Oscar’s head as he was knocked out from the effects of the twister. But it is never established or confirmed that Oz is just a dream. Perhaps because of the possibility of future sequels…either way, it was odd to have those elements and then not to explain them or develop them further. The river fairies were another example of this. Cute, somewhat funny, but they really have no point in the film as we see them for 30 seconds. It just felt a little forced, as if we were supposed to view Oz as a Wonderland sort of place, but nothing was ever really delved into more than a very cursory visual. Another thing that was never really established or explained in the film was where these witches came from and why Evanora is evil, as well as what makes Theodora evil, even before she changes, though she doesn’t realize it. Perhaps these are questions which will be answered in future films…

Once Oz gets his quest, and repairs China Doll (why doesn’t she get a name?!) and Finley joins them as they find Glinda, then the story really gets moving and I enjoyed the film a lot more. Up until that point, Oscar Diggs is not a very likeable guy, which is the point. Once he finds his passion, he leaves his selfish ways behind and finally does the right thing.

Of course it’s too late by then and he has incurred the wrath of the true Wicked Witch and her sister. The final battle scenes against the wicked sisters are really fun and well-played. Plus we get to see more rainbow cloud fog! It was a relief to see Oscar become The Wizard and do right by the citizens of Oz, though we have to wonder, did he really learn his lesson with women? He seems to have been humbled elsewhere and learned important lessons about friendship and family, and true magic, and that was lovely.

The 3-D effects within the film were really wonderful. Usually I leave a 3-D film not even realizing what I just watched was in 3-D, because it’s just sort of there. But in Oz, you definitely experience the 3-D and it makes it all the more exciting and adventurous when those scenes happen.

Another star of the movie was the soundtrack. When the film opens, the very detailed, animated title sequence has a beautiful song behind it, which is then interwoven throughout the film. Danny Elfman really does a great job of giving Oz the Great and Powerful
a unique soundtrack, while instilling his signature sound too. I would definitely purchase the soundtrack to listen to. {For those visiting Epcot any time during the Flower and Garden Festival, you can hear the soundtrack playing in the Oz garden on the walkway from World Showcase to the East side of Future World. It’s worth a listen!}

Overall, I enjoyed the movie, despite its slow or underdeveloped parts. We were definitely left with an open enough ending to allow for a sequel or two, so I do hope it is successful enough to warrant that, so we can see the growth of all the characters. Oz the Great and Powerful opens today in theatres everywhere. I’d love to hear what you think when you see the film!

Disclosure: I attended a media screening of Oz the Great and Powerful. My opinions are my own.

First Images from The Muppets…Again!

5 February 2013 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

On the heels of the great success of 2011’s The Muppet Movie, bringing the Muppets back to the forefront of our hearts and minds and exposing them to a whole new generation, work has begun on the next installment. The sequel to The Muppet Movie will be called “The Muppets…Again” and while Jason Segel is not involved in the movie this time around, the rest of the filmmaking team is back in place and ready to make some Muppet-filled magic. Here is the official press release about the work in progress, hitting theatres in March of 2014:

The filmmaking team behind 2011’s celebrated film “The Muppets” reunites as Disney’s “The Muppets … Again!” kicked off production last week in London. The all-new global Muppets adventure welcomes Ricky Gervais, Ty Burrell and Tina Fey to the mayhem, along with Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Walter and rest of the Muppets. The film is directed by James Bobin (“Flight of the Conchords,” “Da Ali G Show”), who was just nominated for a BAFTA for “The Muppets” (Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer), and produced by the Academy Award®-nominated team of David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman (“The Fighter,” “The Proposal”). With a screenplay by Bobin and Nicholas Stoller (“The Five-Year Engagement”), who is also executive producer with John Scotti, “The Muppets … Again!” will feature music from Academy Award®-winning songwriter Bret McKenzie (“Flight of the Conchords”), who won an Oscar® for best original song for “The Muppets” (“Man or Muppet”). The new film will hit the big screen March 21, 2014.

“It’s great to be back working with the Muppets,” said Bobin, “some of them even remember my name occasionally now. As for the movie, it’s a tip of the hat to the old-school crime capers of the ’60s, but featuring a frog, a pig, a bear and a dog—no panthers, even pink ones—along with the usual Muppet-y mix of mayhem, music and laughs.”

Disney’s “The Muppets …Again!” takes the entire Muppets gang on a global tour, selling out grand theaters in some of Europe’s most exciting destinations, including Berlin, Madrid and London. But mayhem follows the Muppets overseas, as they find themselves unwittingly entangled in an international crime caper headed by Constantine—the World’s Number One Criminal and a dead ringer for Kermit—and his dastardly sidekick Dominic, aka Number Two, portrayed by Ricky Gervais, creator of “Derek” and the Golden Globe®- and Emmy®-winning series “The Office” and “Extras.” The film stars Golden Globe-, Emmy- and SAG Award®-winning actress and writer Tina Fey (“30 Rock,” “Mean Girls,” “Date Night”) as Nadya, a feisty prison guard, and Emmy Award winner Ty Burrell (TV’s “Modern Family”) as Interpol agent Jean Pierre Napoleon.

Said Kermit the Frog, “This movie takes us places we’ve never been before. And trust me—this frog has never seen so much international flavor. I think audiences will eat it up—the entertainment, that is.”

Featuring a slew of surprising celebrity cameos, Disney’s “The Muppets … Again!” will shoot on location in London and in Hollywood, as well as in the famed Pinewood Studios in Iver Heath, Buckinghamshire, just outside of London.

Muppets in England? Sign me up! Can’t wait to see where the Muppets and their human friends take us this time around.

War Horse REVIEW-Spielberg Fans Will Not Be Disappointed

21 December 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

When I saw scenes from War Horse, the Broadway production, on the Tony Awards early this year, I was mesmerized and thought I would love to see this story in person. When I later heard that it was going to be a live-action movie from Steven Spielberg, I knew I’d probably never watch it.

As much as I love Mr. Spielberg, I just cannot watch movies where I know going in that animals will appear to be hurt. Even with that disclaimer at the end about no animals being harmed, my little brain cannot get past what the filmmakers want me to believe, that the animals are being hurt.

So when the opportunity to preview War Horse came about, I asked my movie buff husband, J.F. DiMarzio, to see the film and review it here. Now that I know a little more about it (I actually like spoilers with movies like this so I know what to expect) I may even see it myself. Spoilers are marked at the end if you’d like to avoid them:

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When the Oscars come around a few weeks, War Horse will most likely win everything it is nominated for, and deservedly so. Steven Speilberg has crafted an amazing movie. If you are familiar with, and a fan of, Spielberg movies you will not be let down. The lighting, cinematography, and sound design are impeccable.

All of the standard elements of a Spielberg movie are present and accounted for: close up on emotional facial reaction shot, check; obligatory crowd scene where everyone is looking at something that you cant see, check; locations are as much a character in the movie as the people, check; amazing John Williams score, check. Honestly, this is all I was expecting out of War Horse. After seeing the trailer I was not interested in the story at all, I did not want to see a glorified war movie about a boy missing his horsey..boo hoo. That is what I was expecting going into War Horse.

However, what Steven Spielberg managed to do is divided the 2 hour and 20 minute movie into five distinct parts; five distinct stories about people that are woven together by the story of the horse. This is not to say that the horse is a secondary character in the film, you are aware of its presence throughout every minute of the journey, but you find yourself gravitating more to the stories of the people who come into contact with the horse, than the horse itself. Each story in the movie is unique and each one could have been an amazing short on it’s own.

The story of War Horse plays out over the backdrop of World War I. Given Spielberg’s track record for war films (WWII ala Saving Private Ryan), you may be expecting a violent and realistically gritty portrayal of World War I, and you would be only half right. Yes, the war is gritty and dirty, but because of the delicate handling of a very complex story 95% of all of the violence is shielded from the camera’s immediate view. Showing realistic war violence would surely have overshadowed the surrounding story.

This does not mean that the story is violence-free. There are some scenes that are very tough to take, even without the violence, but again Spielberg tempers this. He manages to take the most harsh and violent scene in the movie and, before letting the audience get lost in greif, follows it up with the funniest scene of the film. In short, the overall theme of the movie is brought home beautifully in the line: there are big days, and there are small days, and this is a very big day.

Is War Horse perfect? No, it has its faults (to read about those however, requires a few spoilers), but you will quickly forgive its faults after getting lost in its story.

Spoiler Alert below the photo >>>

So what is wrong with War Horse? Steven Spielberg managed to figuratively turn a horse into Jesus, and it wasn’t necessary. Lest you think I’m exaggerating: The opening scene of the moving has the horse being born to a mare with no stallion in sight, symbolic of the virgin birth. A stretch you say? Wait, it gets better. The horse is immediately labeled as ‘miraculous’, for no apparent plot reason. Over the course of the movie it is crucified, dies for the sins of the warring nations, is resurrected after they realize the error of their ways, has its feet washed to reveal its divinity, and even heals the blind. A better name for this movie might have been Jesus Christ Superhorse – I kid.

Does it really detract all that much from the overall story? Only slightly, and only depending on how much thought you put into it. Is the horse (Joey) literally crucified? No. However, it what is the most disturbing scenes in the movie, the horse runs head long through a battlefield. Because the horse never learned to jump (a running theme in he movie) he barrels through barbed-wire barricades, eventually becoming so entangled in the barbs that he is flipped motionless through the air and comes to rest on the ground in a mass of wire with a cross shaped wooden support on its back. The warring nations break from their fighting and each sends a representative into the middle of the battlefield to cut free (resurrect) the horse.

If you can get past the overt correlation between the bible narrative and War Horse then it is still an amazing movie that will surely go down as one of history’s finest.

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For real Spielberg fans, or those wishing to learn more about the filming process and story, watch this Q&A with director Steven Spielberg:

You can see more about War Horse, opening Christmas day – December 25 at the War Horse site, by liking War Horse on facebook or following on twitter.

REVIEW: The Muppets – Together Again

21 November 2011 by Suzannah Otis 6 Comments

Muppet Show lunchbox — First day of school, with my Muppet Show lunch box, 1978

I can’t remember which came first, my stuffed Kermit doll that rarely ever left my arms, or watching The Muppet Show each Sunday night, like clockwork. What I do know is that I fell instantly in love. Back in the late 70’s and early 80’s, kids growing up didn’t think the Muppets were real, they knew they were.

It was a simpler time of rainbows and unicorns and the Muppets let kids know it was okay to dream. Way before I knew of a magical place called Walt Disney World, I knew of the magical place called The Muppet Theatre. I wanted so badly to be able to sit in the audience, or better yet, visit backstage with Scooter.

When The Muppet Movie was released back in 1979, we were able to see where the Muppets came from and they became even more endeared to us. Famed film critic Roger Ebert had this to say about the original Muppet Movie:

“They turn out, somehow, to have many of the same emotions and motivations that we do. They are vain and hopeful, selfish and generous, complicated and true. They mirror ourselves, except that they’re a little nicer.“

So very true.

For fans like me, the Muppets never really went away, but I can understand how an entire generation really doesn’t have that Muppet upbringing to draw from. When Jim Henson passed away in 1990, I actually grieved. I was about to graduate high school in the coming year and it was as if my childhood was ending in more ways than one. We were lucky to soon have the Muppets living on at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but it wasn’t quite the same as having those jokes and skits each week, or full-length feature films of our favorite furry friends (aside from the themed movies putting the Muppets into classic tales). For that reason, I am so grateful to Jason Segel for making it his mission to bring the Muppets back to the big screen. {Some spoilers may be contained below, continue reading at your own risk}

The Muppets cast — The cast of characters, old and new

I was lucky enough to attend a media screening of The Muppets last Saturday. I am already a fan of Jason Segel’s writing and acting, so I was excited to see where The Muppets took us. I was not disappointed. The Muppets opens with the story of Walter and Gary, brothers who grew up doing everything together. While Gary (Jason Segel) continued to grow in height, Walter stayed the same. Walter bares more resemblance to say, Scooter than he does Gary, so things got a little tough for him. When Walter and Gary discovered The Muppet Show on their television, Walter found a new reason for living. He became the Muppets biggest fan.

Similar to the original three Muppet films, The Muppets focuses more on the Muppets story than the humans. With the usual musical and dance numbers, the Muppet and human cast acknowledge that there is an audience watching. It lets us not only get in on the joke, but be a part of it. The story then focuses on Gary’s trip to Los Angeles with his girlfriend of 10 years, Mary, (Amy Adams). Gary brings his brother along for the vacation and Walter’s dreams of taking the Muppet Studios tour is about to come true. The Studios are the first stop, and Walter is shocked to see they have fallen into disrepair and are for the most part abandoned.

Walter sneaks into Kermit’s old office where he overhears the villain of the story, oil barron Tex Richman, discussing his plans to demolish the studios and drill for oil. When the loophole of the “Standard Rich and Famous Contract” is brought to light, I couldn’t help but smile at the reference to the original Muppet Movie. Walter knows they have to find Kermit and save the Studios, no small task as the price to buy it back is 10 million dollars, and no one knows where the Muppets are today. As they travel across the globe to retrieve Muppets and put on a Muppet telethon, we see pieces of Muppet history from the movies and show, mixed with slapstick humor and puns.

The rest of the film is full of heartwarming nods to the past that older fans will recognize, and plenty of laughs for a new generation. Lines like “may I suggest we save time and pick up the rest of the Muppets in a montage?” and “we can travel by map!” let you know these are the Muppets we know and love. Some fun new moments for me included the Swedish Chef and Camilla the Chicken getting subtitles, so we finally knew what they were saying. While there are a host of guest star cameos and a subplot about Gary and Mary, the real story is about the Muppets, friendship, and how growing up doesn’t have to mean growing apart.

I won’t give away all of the movie, but I will admit to tearing up when the Muppet telethon begins with the original Muppet Show opening. It was truly magical to see it unfold live before your eyes, and to know that my children will now love and appreciate the Muppets and learn from them as I did so many years ago.

Kermit sang those famous words 32 years ago; “Someday we’ll find it, the rainbow connection…” while Gonzo later crooned, “I’m going to go back there someday…” Well, I think we’ve done both. Welcome back, Muppets. We’re so happy you are Together Again.

The 7-minute short which precedes The Muppets is a hysterical piece of work from Pixar, featuring the Toy Story gang back again, including Bonnie, beneficiary to Andy’s toys. “Small Fry” takes a look at some fast food kids meal toys, and how they just want to be played with too. Jane Lynch stars as the voice of Neptuna, a discarded mermaid warrior toy and leader of the discarded toy support group. The names and types of abandoned toys got laugh after laugh in the theatre; pure genius! Make sure you arrive on time to the theatre so you don’t miss this one!

The Muppets opens nationwide on November 23.

The Muppet Saga- Team Kermit?

15 November 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Check out these awesome Muppet Saga photos- Bella Swine, genius! The Muppets opens November 23 in theaters everywhere!

Three New MUPPETS Film Clips to Enjoy!

3 November 2011 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

I was just sent these clips and they’ve made me even more excited to see the all-new The Muppets movie opening on November 23rd! The second clip in particular is a perfect example of classic Muppet humor –

GIVEAWAY: Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Prize Pack

10 May 2011 by Suzannah Otis 61 Comments

On the heels of my Pirates of the Caribbean new merchandise post – how about some swag you don’t have to buy? In honor of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides swashbuckling into theaters on May 20th, ZannaLand is pleased to host a giveaway from Walt Disney Pictures for some killer pirate booty! (Apologies, Johnny Depp not included)

ITEMS FOR GIVEAWAY: (only open to US and Canada please)

– PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES in adult sizes of S, M, L, XL

– PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES bandana in black

– PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES temporary tattoo (2 per winner)

~~HOW TO ENTER:~~

Comment below with your favorite character of the Pirates of the Caribbean series so far.

Additional entries:

~~LIKE ZannaLand on facebook (so close to 1000 fans!) and comment to let me know.~~
~~Share this contest on twitter, facebook, or stumble it…and then comment separately for each item letting me know. (please only tweet or share once a day.)~~

CONTEST ENDS: May 17, 2011, Winners will be announced in this post and as comments to the winning comment, and must reply within 48 hours so check back!

Congrats to Josh who won the giveaway! Disney will be sending the prize pack your way, in the mean time – enjoy the movie!!

Be sure to visit the official website at: http://www.Disney.com/Pirates.

“Like” PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN on Facebook at: http://www.Facebook.com/PiratesoftheCaribbean

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES sails into theatres May 20th, 2011 in Disney Digital 3D™.

NEW Muppet Movie with Jason Segel First Look Photo!

10 November 2010 by Suzannah Otis 7 Comments

Check out this picture sent to us from Disney – the first look at the all-new Muppet Movie featuring the writing and acting talents of Jason Segel, which is tentatively called The Muppets and premiers December 25, 2010. Click for the full-size image:

Muppet Movie Jason Segel — Who's that Muppet with an iPhone?!

According to TheFilmStage.com, Jason shares that “His name is Walter and he teams with Kermit the Frog and his muppet pals “to put on a show to save their old theater.” … Walter is the kind of guy who faints when he sees Kermit. Walter has a little bit of a self-confidence issue because he’s the only person like him that he’s seen aside from the Muppets….Segel explained. His dream is to meet the Muppets and be around people who are like him.“

Can’t wait for this film, being a huge Muppet AND Jason Segal fan!

Gnomeo & Juliet Trailer-Shakespeare Meets Garden Gnomes?!

23 September 2010 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

The greatest love story ever told, starring…garden gnomes? In “Gnomeo & Juliet,” Shakespeare’s revered tale gets a comical, off-the-wall makeover. Directed by Kelly Asbury (co-director of “Shrek 2”) and showcasing both classic and original songs by Elton John, the film features the voices of James McAvoy and Emily Blunt as Gnomeo and Juliet, who have as many obstacles to overcome as their quasi namesakes when they are caught up in a feud between neighbors. But with plastic pink flamingos and thrilling lawnmower races in the mix, can this young couple find a happy ending?

Check out the adorable Gnomeo & Juliet trailer and be sure to catch the Tiki Room song!! Corny jokes and bad puns abound but it looks really fun.

GNOMEO & JULIET hits theaters everywhere in 3D on February 11, 2011.

All New Secretariat Behind the Scenes Trailer-Penny’s Story: Against All Odds

9 September 2010 by Suzannah Otis 3 Comments

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I will admit to not having given Secretariat a second thought when I heard they were making the movie. I mean, I like horses, don’t get me wrong. As a girl I went through the requisite Black Beauty and Black Stallion phases but I’ve never been so into horses that I wanted to watch a full-length movie about one, as an adult. Then I saw the trailer to Secretariat and was blown away.

Perhaps because I loved the time period of the film (I am a wee bit obsessed with Mad Men as my friends may be aware), or my love of John Malkovich as an actor, or my new found love of Nelsan Ellis (Lafayette on True Blood). Maybe I even did what the Disney marketing team wanted me to do – identify with the “just a housewife” moniker with which Diane Lane’s character is branded. In any event, I became excited for a movie about a horse. Disney has just released a new behind-the-scenes featurette focusing on Penny (the housewife in question) and her journey against all odds. I enjoyed it and thought you might too.

For those unaware of the story, housewife and mother Penny Chenery (Diane Lane) agrees to take over her ailing father’s Virginia-based Meadow Stables, despite her lack of horse-racing knowledge. Against all odds, Chenery—with the help of veteran trainer Lucien Laurin (John Malkovich)—manages to navigate the male-dominated business, ultimately fostering the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years and what may be the greatest racehorse of all time.In 1973, Secretariat became the first U.S. Triple Crown champion in 25 years, setting race records that still stand today in the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes.